Environmental Planning Act of 2012

February 28, 2012

In this era when the severity and frequency of natural hazards and extreme weather events are unpredictable, rural development and urban planning have become even more critical. We have witnessed whole villages being swept away by enormous floods and various infrastructure crumbling during strong earthquakes.
It is unfortunate that it is only after disasters strike that we realize how badly we have abused our natural resources; that we have failed to faithfully pursue sustainable, adaptable and resilient development.
The development […]

Read More

The Future that We Want for Mindanao

February 18, 2012

Two months after Mindanao endured tropical storm Sendong’s whiplash of death and destruction, a critical opportunity is presented before us – the opportunity to learn from the painful lessons of the disaster, to build back a better Mindanao and to make the right choices for our people.
It is on this note that I am pleased to be part of this important initiative, a laudable show of political unity and resolve for disaster risk reduction.
I wish to congratulate my […]

Read More

Multisectoral Consultation to Enhance the DRR/CCA Content of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP)

February 17, 2012

The importance and urgency of pursuing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in a more comprehensive and effective way as a national strategy to achieve our development goals cannot be overemphasized.
Today, we make an effort to revisit the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and ensure that amid the impact of recurring natural hazards, our hard-earned socio-economic gains and development goals are not in peril.
I thank the National Economic and Development Authority for organizing this Multisectoral Consultation, the outcome […]

Read More

Hunger Amidst Plenty

February 14, 2012

“Resolution Concurring in the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM) to establish the Office of the WorldFish Center in the Philippines”
(Committee Report No. 124 / Senate Resolution No. 708)
I have the honor to seek approval of Senate Resolution No. 708, entitled “Resolution concurring in the ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the International […]

Read More

Training Workshop for National and Local Governments in Southeast Asia and South Asia on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

February 10, 2012

I am pleased to be part of this Training Workshop for National and Local Governments in Southeast Asia and South Asia on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.
ICLEI is a laudable organization of local governments. It is a trailblazer in its effort to make environmental sustainability a central part of the development process. And allow me to congratulate you for successfully organizing this important initiative.
National and local leaders across the globe increasingly realize that developments practices have not been […]

Read More